Warehouse and Logistics Technology Solutions

New and improved technologies are becoming more widely available and adopted within the warehouse and logistics market as new solutions expand the horizons of connectivity in harsh environments. There will always be a challenge on the hands of the IT departments as they search for a fine balance between driving efficiency and innovation in the workplace whilst also keeping an eye on the budget.Net-Ctrl has been working with warehouse and logistics companies for a number of years and has the experience to deliver these solutions into the workplace. We will work you and your team every step of the way.

 

Net-Ctrl networking, video management and CCTV solutions for warehouse and logistics companies

• Ruckus wired and wireless networking
• Exacq Video Management Solutions
• Illustra CCTV Solutions
• MOBOTIX CCTV Solutions

Warehouses can be incredibly hostile environments for operating Wi-Fi networks because they are filled with metal structures, unfriendly RF obstacles, competing handheld Wi-Fi devices, and sparse amounts of Ethernet cabling. More importantly, warehouses are in a constant state of flux with inventory continually moving in and out of vast spaces. This changes RF conditions, often having a dramatic effect on Wi-Fi performance as obstacles and interference cause connectivity and performance problems.

Wi-Fi is a cost-effective way for distributors to make their warehouse processes more efficient by allowing universal access to real-time inventory information and eliminating counting and picking errors. However, the inability to maintain consistent and high-speed Wi-Fi connections to weak handheld scanner and bar code readers has hampered its effectiveness. Warehouses around the world are now standardizing on advanced Wi-Fi systems that overcome these problems by adapting Wi-Fi transmissions automatically as RF conditions change, using sophisticated directional signaling technology that focuses and steers Wi-Fi traffic over the best path to each wireless device.

Originally developed as a technology of convenience, Wi-Fi is often ill-equipped to provide reliable, enterprise-class connectivity and performance to support mission-critical processes. Interference, along with constant changes in the RF environment, makes it difficult to prevent or troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems. Inadequate range, spotty coverage, and erratic behaviour remain fundamental issues to wireless deployments. As warehouses deal with greater volumes of smaller, just-in-time orders, or more reverse logistics activity related to online consumer purchases, fast and accurate AIDC is critical to meeting cost and performance targets.

Ruckus Networks invented Smart Wi-Fi technology that, for the first time, brings range and reliability to Wi-Fi environments. It has developed and patented several RF technology breakthroughs that enable Wi-Fi signals to be focused and directed in real time over the best performing signal paths. Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology delivers extended range and reliable signals that automatically adapt to environmental changes. Patented technology steers signals around interference, obstruction and obstacles, including floor-to-ceiling metal racks, varying inventories and automated equipment, ensuring unprecedented coverage and performance.

The Benefits

Better signal strength and coverage are the key attributes to enabling new and more effective mobile workflows. Improved connectivity enables better application performance driving improved workflows and higher employee morale. A recent Intermec study found that a typical warehouse worker lost 15 minutes of productivity per day due to inefficient workflows or other impediments such as poor connectivity. Consistent wireless performance improves productivity and eliminates the hassle and frustration of slow response times or lost data. It can also extend battery life since the device isn’t working so hard to stay connected.

Superior RF performance enables superior coverage with fewer APs. In addition to reducing equipment costs, this lowers installation costs since there are fewer APs to install and placement is easier since they provide better reach. Better yet, APs can be meshed together in one or two hop meshes, completely eliminating the need to run Cat 5 cabling to many APs and potentially enabling companies to expand coverage into new areas that were previously unreachable such as outdoors or in outside buildings.

This improved wireless network performance translates directly into better business results. The Intermec survey of 250 supply chain and warehouse and distribution managers found that over 60% agree that savings seconds in operating workflows can drive large time and cost savings from saving steps for workers, faster label printing, quicker barcode label scanning and eliminating battery changes mid-shift, especially in labor intensive activities such as packing and loading, picking and inventory control.

With an abundance of video surveillance cameras and recording solutions on the market, choosing the ideal combination for specific applications can be a daunting and time-consuming task.

Net-Ctrl has partnered with Tyco where their Tyco branded products can be paired together to provide high performance, robust and cost-effective solutions for a diverse range of applications and environments where video surveillance is being utilised.

The Illustra Pro camera line is a premiere IP camera offering with resolutions from 2MP to 12MP and form factors of compact mini-dome, mini-dome, bullet, micro, fisheye, and PTZ.

The Illustra Pro cameras feature advanced video intelligence analytics designed to augment the overall system while off-setting computing from the VMS. Select Pro cameras feature Smart Wide Dynamic Range, and Illustra technology that effectively reads the scene and adjusts overall scene balance without operator intervention.

exacqvision Video Management Systems (VMS) come in three flavours, Start, Enterprise and Professional. These vary in functionality and use case. Start is the lower cost VMS software for standalone installations, Professional provides more advanced features and capabilities whlist supporting a higher camera load and Enterprise which is the full-feature version for large scale installations providing a high level of situational awareness and system health monitoring

Net-Ctrl is a UK reseller of MOBOTIX AG IP-CCTV Cameras and Video Door Entry Systems. MOBOTIX is a world renowned manufacturer of High resolution IP-CCTV and video technology. It is particularly known for its decentralised concept that reduces the overall cost to the customer and sees each camera as an independent component and one that doesn’t require a computer to manage it.

All of the MOBOTIX cameras are able to move, detect, record and store video whilst alerting the user via email or VoIP(voice over internet protocol).

What makes MOBOTIX different?

MOBOTIX noticed a severe restriction with analogue video standards; their low megapixel rate was of particular concern. Their solution was to use digital data transfer over a network.
The MOBOTIX camera range now covers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor IP-CCTV systems and a video door entry system. Every MOBOTIX product delivers a core set of advantages to the marketplace including:

MOBOTIX Camera Advantages:

 

• High Resolution Megapixel Digital Imagery – Higher than HDTV
• Provides 360° all-round view, or 180° widescreen.
• In camera data storage
• High quality professional software
• Guaranteed low network loads
• Unlimited data storage via NAS network storage.
• Day and Night cameras operate reliably with no mechanical
• components
• Simultaneous record, event search and live viewing
• Each camera is compliant with SIP standards

Net–Ctrl is a leading UK value-add technology reseller. Our mission is to provide technology solutions and services that enable our customers to exist safely and efficiently in a complex digital world.

We always take a consultative approach to business. Our role is to find what is important to your organisation, to advise you on best practice and to find products and services that meet your demands. We understand that each of our customers is unique so finding the right balance of cost, functionality and performance is key to our recommendations and your final choice.

We have been operating for over 15 years and developed expertise in network security and infrastructure, wireless, IP-CCTV and building access control solutions. We have handpicked a wide product range with respected companies offering innovative and sophisticated technologies that we believe truly deliver in the workplace